How to Wind Up a 31 Day Clock

A 31 day clock operates by gears and springs located inside the clock. This is how most clocks operated before the invention of batteries. During the month, the clock winds down, and on the 31st day, it stops completely. On this day, you must rewind the clock to get it working again. Winding the clock is a simple process, but if you do not follow the correct instructions, you can ruin the delicate gears and springs inside the clock. Each clock comes with its own winding key, usually located in the back of the case, and the clock keys are interchangeable among the same clock brands.

Things You'll Need

Clock key

Open the clock face. Try to wind the clock as close to the time when it stopped as possible. Move the long minute hand on the clock face clockwise to set the current time. The hour hand should travel along with the minute hand. Wait for the clock to strike each hour if you have to move the time up several hours.

Locate the clock key. They are usually hung in the back of the clock, or on the inside of the case where the pendulum is located. Place the clock key into the left side winding hole. Turn the key clockwise until you meet resistance. You should be able to feel when the clock is wound completely. Take care not to over-wind as this can damage the spring mechanisms.

Place the clock key into the right side winding hole. Turn the key counterclockwise until you meet resistance. Always make sure to turn the left side first and then the right side. Never turn the right side clockwise.

Remove the key from the hole and place it in its holding hook or bracket until the next month.

Swing the pendulum to start the clock. Listen for the correct sound. There should be no pauses between each "ticktock" second of the clock. If there is a pause between sounds, the case may be crooked. Adjust the placement of the clock on the wall if possible. If the clock sits on the floor, the floor itself may be crooked. Move the clock to a flat surface to adjust the ticking of the clock.

Inspect the clock one week after winding. If the time is too fast or too slow, you can adjust how fast the pendulum swings. Adjust the clock to the correct time, then twist the small nut located on the bottom of the pendulum. Twist it to the right to make the clock tick faster. Twist the nut to the left to make it go slower.